In this post, we’ll cover some of the best things to do in Barcelona in March, updated for 2024.
We include a variety of family-friendly, nighttime and free activities. For even more great ideas, make sure to read some of the following posts:
In preparation for packing, you might want to read our post about the weather in Barcelona in March.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MARCH
This section provides several different popular activities you can enjoy in Barcelona this month, including special events, festivals, and other fun activities you may want to consider.
1. Attend a celebration
There are some large events in Barcelona this month. A few of them are:
Festival Sant Josep Oriol
This takes place in Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol in the Gothic quarter, near the church Santa Maria del Pi.
Festival Sant Josep Oriol, also called Festa major del Pi, pays tribute to Saint Oriol who lived in the late 17th century.
There are musical processions and dances, ones that include Gegants del Pi (or giants) named Mustafas, Elisenda, Oriol, and Laia.
There will also be human towers, eating, drinking, dancing, and more.
It is expected to take place from March 16th-March 24th.
Sant Medir
In the Gracia neighborhood, you'll find the festival Sant Medir which sees a pilgrimage made by people called colles to the Chapel of Saint Medir in Sant Cugat del Valles.
Sweets are thrown from travelers and dancers riding on floats, trucks, horses, and horse-drawn carriages to those in the crowds.
Giants again make an appearance in this parade, and the whole event ends with a fireworks display.
This celebration is expected to take place March 3rd.
2. Attend a Sporting Event
European Football (soccer) is quite popular in Spain and there will be a number of games this month
European Football (soccer) is quite popular in Spain, and the Barcelona team is aptly named FC Barcelona.
Taking a tour of Camp Nou, FC Barcelona's football stadium, would be a fun thing to do for any football fan.
Another football team you might try to get tickets for is RCD Espanyol.
If your interest is in basketball, there's FC Barcelona Basquet, a team that's seen player Pau Gasol go on to become a six-time NBA All-Star.
These are family-friendly events. For even more things to do with kids, check out our post: Visiting Barcelona With Kids | 45 Fun and Exciting Things to Do.
4. Take a Paella Cooking Class
Paella was traditionally the food of farmers, made with rice and whatever else could be pulled together.
Over time, the paella recipe has developed, becoming one of the most popular dishes in the country (and the world, actually).
If you'd like to learn how to cook a traditional seafood version, CLASSES can be found in Barcelona.
In fact, you will go along to buy ingredients at La Boqueria with the chef, tasting tapas along the way, before your paella-making workshop. It's truly a tasty activity!
Of course, if you’re only interested in eating, you can also take a Barcelona food tour for the same price.
And you can always find Paella and other delicious foods in restaurants throughout Barcelona.
4. Take a Walking Tour or a Walk
With spring right around the corner, this is an excellent time to take a free walking tour and learn more about the city of Barcelona from an experienced tour guide.
Of course, we recommend pay-what-you-like walking tours through the city centre to really help you get to know Barcelona.
City Sightseeing Barcelona is one of the bigger bus tour companies to operate in the city. It is a great way to hear commentary about Barcelona from the shelter of a bus.
Barcelona city tours typically include the following sites:
- Old Town
- Historic Port
- The Gothic District
- Barcelona Cathedral
They also cover a variety of different subjects including the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona nightlife, Gaudi, Modernism, the History of El Born, the supernatural, and more.
Looking for impressive views? Take a cable car ride up Montjuic to enjoy nature and this popular lookout point.
On a sunny day, you could also hike to Bunker del Carmel. These former anti-aircraft bunkers from the Spanish Civil War now offer a high vantage point.
5. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
While there are no parades in Barcelona celebrating St. Patrick's Day, there are plenty of places to have fun.
Some Irish bars you might like to spend the evening of March 17th include:
- McCarthy's Bar | in the old city centre, on Via Laietana
- Flaherty's Irish Bar | a few blocks off of La Ramba, on Plaça de Joaquim Xirau
- The Michael Collins Irish Pub | by La Sagrada Familia
- The Old Irish Pub | on La Rambla
- The Wild Rover | just steps off of La Rambla
- The George Payne | in Plaça d'Urquinaona
The Hard Rock Cafe has also thrown at Saint Patrick's Night Fest with music and dancing.
There has been an annual St. Patrick's Day Regatta which has currach (Irish boat) races, as well as music, food, and dancing. It usually takes place within the week around St. Patrick's Day.
You might also find a show with the Nuala Irish Dancers who have a school in Barcelona.
6. Save Money With a Tourist Pass
If you’re planning to visit multiple popular attractions while in Barcelona, you could save 50% or more off admission prices by using a tourist pass.
There are three different types of passes to choose from, each one serving a different purpose.
While the all-inclusive pass is excellent for anyone planning at least 4-5 activities per day, a preset package might be better for visitors with limited time.
There is also a flex pass you can use which lets you pick just the attractions you want, and this service is best for expensive activities.
Here are a few of the more notable attractions included with Barcelona tourist passes:
- Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
- Barcelona Bike Tour
- Las Golondrinas Cruise
- L’Aquarium Barcelona
- Camp Nou Tour
- Sagrada Familia
- Port Aventura
- Picasso Museum
- Dali Museum
- Barcelona Zoo
- And more!
For additional information about these services, please read our post covering Barcelona tourist passes.
7. Celebrate Semana Santa and Easter with the City
Easter is the culmination of Semana Santa or Holy Week. This year, Holy Week is March 24th-31st.
You'll probably see local children waving their palm leaves for Palm Sunday on March 24th.
Each church across the city has its own procession called La Burreta, with the largest being at the Cathedral of Barcelona.
On Mundry Thursday and Good Friday, you'll probably catch a glimpse of religious orders and brotherhoods on their symbolic processions.
You will find some members of the processions wearing robes and a pointy hood called a capirote
Many centuries ago, criminals were made to wear paper cones similar in look to the capirote on their heads. At the time, the color of the hood signaled the type of crime that had been committed.
Today the hoods are worn by cofrades, members of the brotherhood who march in penance for their misdeeds.
Easter will take place March 31st. If you’re interested in attending mass, anyone can go to Palm Sunday or Easter Mass at Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Cathedral.
As for Easter parades, Barcelona's festivities will be slightly more subdued than those in other regions.
Note that on both Good Friday, March 29th, and the following Monday, April 1st, much of the city will be closed for the public holidays. Most businesses will run as normal on Saturday, however.
8. Go on a Cruise
With the weather warming up, this should be an excellent time to get out on the water and see the sights from an entirely different perspective.
While on a cruise you’ll have several chances to take photos of Barcelona’s skyline.
Some cruises also include free drinks and music, making the experience even more special.
Purchase tickets for a Barcelona cruise.
If you want to save some money on this activity, keep in mind that some tourist passes include a cruise at no additional cost.
9. Take the Family to the Zoo
If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, it’s hard to beat a visit to the zoo!
Barcelona Zoo hosts over 4,000 different animals representing 400 different species, so there is plenty to see while you’re here such as gorillas, dolphins, as well as various different reptiles and tropical birds.
In addition to all the animals, there are also pony rides, miniature trains, picnic areas, restaurants, shops and more.
Purchase tickets for the Barcelona Zoo.
Admission to this attraction is included with one of the most popular tourist passes in the city.
This is a great way to save money on tickets if you plan on visiting several museums, historic locations, and more while in Barcelona.
10. Visit a Historic Landmark
With the tourism season about to kick into full swing, March will be one of the last chances to visit popular historic sites and landmarks without fighting through a lot of crowds.
Here are a few locations you may want to consider during the spring:
Each of these sites is included with at least one tourist pass, so if you plan to visit more than one, you can most likely save some money by using these services.
11. Experience Traditional Flamenco Dancing
If you’re going to be visiting one of the biggest cities in Spain, you might as well experience one of the most popular traditional Spanish dances – the Flamenco!
Whether you're looking for a good date night idea or you just want a fun activity to keep warm during a cool March evening, this is a great activity full of local flavor.
Here are a few of the best options available this month:
- Tablao Cordobes: Flamenco Show + Dinner
- Tablao Cordobes: Flamenco Show + Drink
- Tablao de Carmen: Flamenco Show
- City Hall Theatre Flamenco Show
12. Watch or Cheer On the Barcelona Marathon
Whether you feel like getting some exercise or you just want to cheer on a bunch of athletes, the Barcelona Marathon is a great opportunity to enjoy some outdoor sports.
Although some activities or services may require admission, you won’t have to pay a thing to attend the race.
There will be races for both adults and children, making this an excellent activity for families.
This event will be taking place on March 10th, 2024. For more details, please check the Barcelona Marathon website.
13. Grab a Drink at the Barcelona Beer Festival
If you enjoy tasting new craft beer, you might like to attend the Barcelona Beer Festival.
The event will be held Fira Barcelona – Montjuïc – Hall 2 from March 22nd-24th
There will also be live music and other performances,m food stands, and "gastrocultural activities."
For more details, please read the Barcelona Beer Festival website.
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